Dr. Jeffrey Poland, Music Director
CONTACT: [email protected], 540-431-8422 (cell)
www.facebook.com/berkeleycommunitychorus
LOGO
The motto “A Singing Social Network” represents the purpose of building community in the county and within the membership of the choir. The circular oval shape represents that ongoing process. The colors represent each of the county high schools as a path to unification of our membership from each of those service areas. No sports rivalry here (well, after rehearsal...). MEMBERSHIP
Open to singers 18 years of age and older. This is a face-to-face personal and musical gathering to interact through making music together and sharing our experience with our listeners. Auditions will be held in the fall and spring for new members. The ability to read music is recommended not required. Selected chorus members are available to provide additional help with learning voice parts. Leadership roles will be given to officers elected by the membership who serve as the Executive Committee. Chorus members are encouraged to recruit singers and support arts activities in the region. FUNDING and FINANCES
The chorus accompanist is the only paid position. Other expenses include administrative costs, publicity, rehearsal space, concert venues and programs, music, and more. We enjoy partnership with the Berkeley Arts Council and have received two awards in their “Amplify the Arts” grant program. Additional financial support will have to be obtained from community fundraising projects, private donations, possible corporate sponsorships, concert ticket sales, and chorus dues. DUES
As noted above, a large percentage of operating costs will come from membership dues payable at the beginning of each concert season, or half-year amounts for members who join in the spring. Dues will be used primarily for the purchase of music. As an example, one hour-long concert may require 15-20 pieces. One of those pieces per individual copy will average $2, resulting in a cost per singer of $30-$40 per concert. Two concerts per year are planned. Current dues have been established by the chorus officers at $35 per concert, in effect Fall 2025. Financial hardship issues may be addressed with a chorus officer or the Music Director, in strict confidence for personal privacy. REHEARSALS and CONCERTS
The concert season will include a holiday performance on the second Saturday of December and a spring performance on the third Saturday in May. Ten rehearsals will be the preparation for each concert. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 PM, at the present time TBA. Generally, repertoire will encompass choral art song (classical), mini-masterworks, folksongs and spirituals, “pop” song arrangements, patriotic songs, and Broadway medleys. This eclectic combination of musical styles will hopefully appeal to a broad spectrum of local singers and listeners. ATTENDANCE
The rehearsal schedule is not year-round, so every one of the ten sessions is extraordinarily important. Each member is an adult and is personally responsible for rehearsal attendance. The Music Director accepts that missing three rehearsals may be acceptable if necessary for illness or circumstances beyond control. Please notify the Music Director with a minimum two hours’ notice if you are unable to attend a rehearsal. All singers present on stage for concerts. NOTEBOOK
Please provide a black 3-ring notebook to hold your music. Hole punches can be provided. CONCERT ATTIRE
Women: Black dress, or black skirt/pants and black blouse, black dress shoes. Men: Black slacks, white shirt, dark color long-hand tie, black dress shoes. QUESTIONS? Please see contact information above for more details such as audition and concert dates. Thanks for visiting the Berkeley Community Chorus – “A Singing Social Network"!
